What do you think?
Rate this book
SOAP Notes: Irreverent Confessions of a Veterinary Technician
★★★★★ “Dishing the dirt on what it’s really like to work in a vet clinic.” Dr. Philipp Schott DVM, author of The Accidental Veterinarian
With years of experience as a Registered Veterinary Technician, Frannie O’Callaghan offers an unapologetic window into the daily encounters of the humans who take care of pets. This whip-smart but darkly humorous confessional spans from the Patients who bite, claw, urinate, or defecate in scrub pockets. Are the few and farther in-between moments of wagging tails and slobbering tongues worth it?
Then come the outlandish Clients, including the heinous antics of a local man of the cloth, or the conspiracy theorists convinced of veterinary schemes to “grab ‘em and stab ‘em.” All the way to Coworkers along for the bloody, vomit-filled daily grind. For a job that demands a high skill level and stress-tolerance for relatively little monetary compensation, Vet Techs need a reason to stay. Moments of levity, healing patients, colleagues helping to push through this absurd profession, or cuddling beloved animal companions—somewhere amid the chaos is beauty that brings them to work every day.
Between heavy doses of swearing, snark, licking wounds, and an occasional jab at the heartstrings, SOAP Notes: Irreverent Confessions of a Veterinary Technician dishes up the roaring, goring, and never boring chronicles of veterinary life.
With years of experience as a Registered Veterinary Technician, Frannie O’Callaghan offers an unapologetic window into the daily encounters of the humans who take care of pets. This whip-smart but darkly humorous confessional spans from the Patients who bite, claw, urinate, or defecate in scrub pockets. Are the few and farther in-between moments of wagging tails and slobbering tongues worth it?
Then come the outlandish Clients, including the heinous antics of a local man of the cloth, or the conspiracy theorists convinced of veterinary schemes to “grab ‘em and stab ‘em.” All the way to Coworkers along for the bloody, vomit-filled daily grind. For a job that demands a high skill level and stress-tolerance for relatively little monetary compensation, Vet Techs need a reason to stay. Moments of levity, healing patients, colleagues helping to push through this absurd profession, or cuddling beloved animal companions—somewhere amid the chaos is beauty that brings them to work every day.
Between heavy doses of swearing, snark, licking wounds, and an occasional jab at the heartstrings, SOAP Notes: Irreverent Confessions of a Veterinary Technician dishes up the roaring, goring, and never boring chronicles of veterinary life.
354 pages, Paperback
Published September 23, 2025
4 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Frannie O’Callaghan
1 book2 followersFrannie O'Callaghan was a licensed Veterinary Technician for over a decade. She is an elephant fanatic, amateur baker, travel nerd, shameless user of pun-based humor, and avid reader of historical fiction. O'Callaghan lives with her husband, canine dependents, and an unfortunate number of deceased plants due to her brown thumb.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 14, 2025
SOAP Notes is a compelling, hilarious, & profoundly educative memoir that takes you, in depth, behind the scenes of a Veterinary practice. Motivated by the love of properly caring for pets, the author reveals the challenges faced by staff, patients (pets), and their owners, much of which will have you laughing out loud.
This rare inside view offers real life situations that will assist anyone considering a career in Veterinary care, as well as teaching the proper etiquette in this field.
An absolute "must read" for any pet owner, especially those considering a new pet. Perfect writing style, humor, and "dos & taboos" for myself as a pet mother. I loved it!
This rare inside view offers real life situations that will assist anyone considering a career in Veterinary care, as well as teaching the proper etiquette in this field.
An absolute "must read" for any pet owner, especially those considering a new pet. Perfect writing style, humor, and "dos & taboos" for myself as a pet mother. I loved it!
July 10, 2025
As a fellow vet field survivor, I've said for years that someone should write a book about all the crazy things we see, the misconceptions the public has, and the pets we take home. I personally have five cats that I ended up taking home, starting as a foster mom at 18 with two three-week old kittens that tried to die on me. My last two were dropped off at the hospital I worked at, two different litters but close in age. Reading your book made me laugh and think about all the times I had working in the back of the hospital as an assistant going through tech school then as a receptionist after COVID tanked my school career. I hope everyone reads this, whether they are in the field or not. I don't know if I'll ever go back to working in a vet hospital but I will always treasure the memories I made, the skills I learned, and the people I worked with. Besides a couple of bad apples, the people who work in the field are some of the best people I've ever met along with some of the most broken, unfortunately. As a previous coworker used to say, the field is a great place to find people who looked for love in animals. We all start in vet med because we want to help animals but I think they help us more than we do them. You've put what we all feel and go through into words for the general public. Hopefully this will make waves or at least some ripples. Thank you for allowing me to receive an advanced copy.
July 13, 2025
This book is so helpful! Especially if you have animals! Love the insight from a Vet tech because it’s definitely interesting! I would definitely recommend this book!
September 8, 2025
Book Review: SOAP Notes: Irreverent Confessions of a Veterinary Technician by Frannie O’Callaghan
Perspectives of a Pet Owner and Public Health Professional
Frannie O’Callaghan’s SOAP Notes: Irreverent Confessions of a Veterinary Technician is a darkly humorous yet brutally honest exposé of the veterinary profession, offering readers a rare glimpse into the chaotic, emotionally taxing, and often absurd world of veterinary medicine. As both a pet owner and a public health professional, I found this book to be a compelling exploration of the intersection between animal care, human behavior, and systemic challenges in veterinary practice.
1. A Candid Look at Veterinary Medicine
O’Callaghan pulls no punches in describing the daily realities of veterinary technicians—ranging from dealing with aggressive animals (Patients who bite, claw, urinate, or defecate in scrub pockets) to navigating the eccentricities of pet owners (conspiracy theorists convinced of veterinary schemes to ‘grab ‘em and stab ‘em’). Her narrative is laced with profanity and sarcasm, but beneath the irreverence lies a profound respect for the profession and the animals it serves. This unfiltered perspective is invaluable for pet owners who may underestimate the physical and emotional toll of veterinary work.
2. The Human-Animal Bond and Public Health Implications
From a public health standpoint, O’Callaghan’s anecdotes highlight critical issues in veterinary care accessibility and client education. The book underscores how misinformation (e.g., vaccine hesitancy) and financial constraints impact animal welfare, which in turn affects zoonotic disease risks and community health. Her stories about clients refusing basic care due to distrust or financial limitations mirror broader public health challenges in human medicine, highlighting the need for improved interdisciplinary collaboration between veterinarians and public health professionals.
3. The Emotional Labor of Veterinary Work
One of the book’s most poignant themes is the emotional burden carried by veterinary staff. O’Callaghan describes the highs (healing patients, bonding with animals) and lows (euthanasia, abusive clients) with raw honesty. For pet owners, this serves as a reminder of the compassion fatigue and burnout prevalent in the field—a crisis that parallels human healthcare worker struggles. Public health systems must address these workforce sustainability issues to ensure both animal and human health infrastructures remain resilient.
4. Humor as a Coping Mechanism
The book’s dark humor—such as mocking the “never boring” nature of vet tech life—acts as a coping mechanism for professionals facing daily stressors. While some readers may find the tone jarring, it authentically reflects the gallows humor common in high-stress caregiving roles. This aligns with research on how humor mitigates burnout in healthcare settings.
5. Critique and Missed Opportunities
While SOAP Notes excels in storytelling, it occasionally misses a deeper analysis of systemic issues (e.g., low wages for veterinary technicians, corporate veterinary monopolies). A more structured discussion on policy reforms or One Health initiatives could have strengthened its academic relevance. Additionally, the book’s focus on clinical chaos may overshadow quieter, equally important aspects of veterinary public health (e.g., disease surveillance, food safety) .
Conclusion: A Vital Read for Pet Owners and Health Professionals
O’Callaghan’s book is not a polished academic treatise but a necessary, visceral narrative that humanizes veterinary professionals. For pet owners, it fosters empathy and awareness of the challenges behind their pets’ care. For public health practitioners, it underscores the interconnectedness of animal and human health systems. While the humor may not resonate with all readers, its authenticity makes SOAP Notes a standout contribution to veterinary literature—one that demands reflection on how society values (and undervalues) animal healthcare workers.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5) – Highly recommended for its honesty and insight, though additional depth on systemic solutions would elevate its impact.
Thank you to BookSirens and the publisher for a review copy of the text. This review reflects my honest opinions.
Perspectives of a Pet Owner and Public Health Professional
Frannie O’Callaghan’s SOAP Notes: Irreverent Confessions of a Veterinary Technician is a darkly humorous yet brutally honest exposé of the veterinary profession, offering readers a rare glimpse into the chaotic, emotionally taxing, and often absurd world of veterinary medicine. As both a pet owner and a public health professional, I found this book to be a compelling exploration of the intersection between animal care, human behavior, and systemic challenges in veterinary practice.
1. A Candid Look at Veterinary Medicine
O’Callaghan pulls no punches in describing the daily realities of veterinary technicians—ranging from dealing with aggressive animals (Patients who bite, claw, urinate, or defecate in scrub pockets) to navigating the eccentricities of pet owners (conspiracy theorists convinced of veterinary schemes to ‘grab ‘em and stab ‘em’). Her narrative is laced with profanity and sarcasm, but beneath the irreverence lies a profound respect for the profession and the animals it serves. This unfiltered perspective is invaluable for pet owners who may underestimate the physical and emotional toll of veterinary work.
2. The Human-Animal Bond and Public Health Implications
From a public health standpoint, O’Callaghan’s anecdotes highlight critical issues in veterinary care accessibility and client education. The book underscores how misinformation (e.g., vaccine hesitancy) and financial constraints impact animal welfare, which in turn affects zoonotic disease risks and community health. Her stories about clients refusing basic care due to distrust or financial limitations mirror broader public health challenges in human medicine, highlighting the need for improved interdisciplinary collaboration between veterinarians and public health professionals.
3. The Emotional Labor of Veterinary Work
One of the book’s most poignant themes is the emotional burden carried by veterinary staff. O’Callaghan describes the highs (healing patients, bonding with animals) and lows (euthanasia, abusive clients) with raw honesty. For pet owners, this serves as a reminder of the compassion fatigue and burnout prevalent in the field—a crisis that parallels human healthcare worker struggles. Public health systems must address these workforce sustainability issues to ensure both animal and human health infrastructures remain resilient.
4. Humor as a Coping Mechanism
The book’s dark humor—such as mocking the “never boring” nature of vet tech life—acts as a coping mechanism for professionals facing daily stressors. While some readers may find the tone jarring, it authentically reflects the gallows humor common in high-stress caregiving roles. This aligns with research on how humor mitigates burnout in healthcare settings.
5. Critique and Missed Opportunities
While SOAP Notes excels in storytelling, it occasionally misses a deeper analysis of systemic issues (e.g., low wages for veterinary technicians, corporate veterinary monopolies). A more structured discussion on policy reforms or One Health initiatives could have strengthened its academic relevance. Additionally, the book’s focus on clinical chaos may overshadow quieter, equally important aspects of veterinary public health (e.g., disease surveillance, food safety) .
Conclusion: A Vital Read for Pet Owners and Health Professionals
O’Callaghan’s book is not a polished academic treatise but a necessary, visceral narrative that humanizes veterinary professionals. For pet owners, it fosters empathy and awareness of the challenges behind their pets’ care. For public health practitioners, it underscores the interconnectedness of animal and human health systems. While the humor may not resonate with all readers, its authenticity makes SOAP Notes a standout contribution to veterinary literature—one that demands reflection on how society values (and undervalues) animal healthcare workers.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5) – Highly recommended for its honesty and insight, though additional depth on systemic solutions would elevate its impact.
Thank you to BookSirens and the publisher for a review copy of the text. This review reflects my honest opinions.
July 24, 2025
The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
EDITORIAL REVIEW
22nd July 2025
TITLE: SOAP Notes
AUTHOR: FRANNIE O’CALLAGHAN
Star Rating: 5
“Insightful, amusing, perfect for pet owners and anybody thinking of working in a vet clinic. Highly recommended!” The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
I very much enjoyed this peek into the world of veterinary medicine. Saying that, I happen to be a small animal vet myself, having spent most of my adult life battling incompetent clinic managers, bullying pet owners, biting dogs – even when the owner insists her darling little German Shepherd would never hurt a fly – and trying to get payments from ‘I’ll pay tomorrow’ owners. As I sat enjoying this book, I couldn’t help feeling – ‘Thank God, it’s not just me! It happens in every clinic!’
Written in a very chatty sort of way, F O'Callaghan delivers a fast-paced and insightful look into what it’s like working in a vet clinic. I know a lot of people think working with animals is wonderful – lots of happy, waggy dogs and forever thankful owners – but sadly, that’s not always (hardly ever on many days) the case. It’s a slog, with a neverending flow of poo, urine, and dribble to dry up – never mind the stuff coming out of the anal glands! And then there are the owners who, generally speaking, are far more problematic than the sick pets! And it’s all in this book, written in such a way as to make you laugh out loud, cry into your wine glass and, most importantly, decided never to work with animals.
So, if you ever thought of working as a vet or a vet nurse, or simply answering the telephone in a veterinary clinic, I strongly recommend you read this book first. It’s not all doom and gloom and, as the author shows, there are bright moments in every day. In fact, after reading this, you might think – ‘Yep, this is the job for me.’ Or you might not. But you will know what you are letting yourself in for! And even if veterinary work is not for you, I think most pet owners will find this enlightening, even if it’s just to see that not all owners pamper to ever pet’s needs – or, as the author puts it (and this did make me laugh) - “The dog hates me, and the feeling’s mutual.”
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
EDITORIAL REVIEW
22nd July 2025
TITLE: SOAP Notes
AUTHOR: FRANNIE O’CALLAGHAN
Star Rating: 5
“Insightful, amusing, perfect for pet owners and anybody thinking of working in a vet clinic. Highly recommended!” The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
I very much enjoyed this peek into the world of veterinary medicine. Saying that, I happen to be a small animal vet myself, having spent most of my adult life battling incompetent clinic managers, bullying pet owners, biting dogs – even when the owner insists her darling little German Shepherd would never hurt a fly – and trying to get payments from ‘I’ll pay tomorrow’ owners. As I sat enjoying this book, I couldn’t help feeling – ‘Thank God, it’s not just me! It happens in every clinic!’
Written in a very chatty sort of way, F O'Callaghan delivers a fast-paced and insightful look into what it’s like working in a vet clinic. I know a lot of people think working with animals is wonderful – lots of happy, waggy dogs and forever thankful owners – but sadly, that’s not always (hardly ever on many days) the case. It’s a slog, with a neverending flow of poo, urine, and dribble to dry up – never mind the stuff coming out of the anal glands! And then there are the owners who, generally speaking, are far more problematic than the sick pets! And it’s all in this book, written in such a way as to make you laugh out loud, cry into your wine glass and, most importantly, decided never to work with animals.
So, if you ever thought of working as a vet or a vet nurse, or simply answering the telephone in a veterinary clinic, I strongly recommend you read this book first. It’s not all doom and gloom and, as the author shows, there are bright moments in every day. In fact, after reading this, you might think – ‘Yep, this is the job for me.’ Or you might not. But you will know what you are letting yourself in for! And even if veterinary work is not for you, I think most pet owners will find this enlightening, even if it’s just to see that not all owners pamper to ever pet’s needs – or, as the author puts it (and this did make me laugh) - “The dog hates me, and the feeling’s mutual.”
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
September 26, 2025
This book is an absolute gem for anyone who's ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes at a veterinary clinic. Frannie O'Callaghan delivers exactly what the title promises - irreverent, brutally honest, and frequently hilarious confessions from her decade-plus career as a veterinary technician.
What I loved most were the laugh-out-loud anecdotes sprinkled throughout. From the client who confused "quick" with "clit" during a nail trim discussion, to the dog who somehow got a teddy bear glued to his fur, to the memorable "anal gland espressos" chapter - O'Callaghan has a knack for finding humor in the most unexpected places.
The author's writing style is conversational and unapologetically direct (fair warning: there's plenty of colorful language). She doesn't sugarcoat the realities of veterinary medicine - the difficult clients, the heartbreaking cases, the financial struggles, or the physical and emotional toll of the work. Yet somehow she manages to balance the cynicism with genuine love for animals and respect for her profession.
While this memoir will likely resonate most with veterinary professionals who've lived through similar experiences, it's equally entertaining and educational for pet owners. O'Callaghan offers valuable perspectives on client behavior and practical advice that could improve anyone's relationship with their veterinary team.
It's honest, funny, and ultimately a love letter to the unsung heroes of animal healthcare.
What I loved most were the laugh-out-loud anecdotes sprinkled throughout. From the client who confused "quick" with "clit" during a nail trim discussion, to the dog who somehow got a teddy bear glued to his fur, to the memorable "anal gland espressos" chapter - O'Callaghan has a knack for finding humor in the most unexpected places.
The author's writing style is conversational and unapologetically direct (fair warning: there's plenty of colorful language). She doesn't sugarcoat the realities of veterinary medicine - the difficult clients, the heartbreaking cases, the financial struggles, or the physical and emotional toll of the work. Yet somehow she manages to balance the cynicism with genuine love for animals and respect for her profession.
While this memoir will likely resonate most with veterinary professionals who've lived through similar experiences, it's equally entertaining and educational for pet owners. O'Callaghan offers valuable perspectives on client behavior and practical advice that could improve anyone's relationship with their veterinary team.
It's honest, funny, and ultimately a love letter to the unsung heroes of animal healthcare.
October 7, 2025
Sardonic and heartfelt, SOAP Notes is a keeper for me. When O’Callaghan said she is burned out and experiencing compassion fatigue, it felt that way throughout the book. Grown cynical by the first page, yet it's apparent that her heart is in the right place when she carefully explains the ins and outs of her vet tech experience.
This is a book where the comedic timing is flat and blunt. I'm a fan of that kind of humor, personally, but I can see where it can wear thin with others. So many stories about people's quirks and their skeevy behavior. All while stating the questionable bodily fluids she or her colleagues do regularly. But just as many where the owners and pets are surprisingly sweet too.
While she said the book started as her venting space, her memoir is one that could only have been written with love. A begrudging kind at times, but a deep one that asks for a moment of compassion for everyone involved with the industry. For the stressed out owners and pets too. I appreciate that.
And I enjoyed her brand of snark too.
SOAP Notes doesn't play up the glamor of her career, and she's respectfully transparent about it. I hope O’Callaghan can find the rest and peace she needs by the end of the book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a book where the comedic timing is flat and blunt. I'm a fan of that kind of humor, personally, but I can see where it can wear thin with others. So many stories about people's quirks and their skeevy behavior. All while stating the questionable bodily fluids she or her colleagues do regularly. But just as many where the owners and pets are surprisingly sweet too.
While she said the book started as her venting space, her memoir is one that could only have been written with love. A begrudging kind at times, but a deep one that asks for a moment of compassion for everyone involved with the industry. For the stressed out owners and pets too. I appreciate that.
And I enjoyed her brand of snark too.
SOAP Notes doesn't play up the glamor of her career, and she's respectfully transparent about it. I hope O’Callaghan can find the rest and peace she needs by the end of the book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 26, 2025
Honest, candid, and funny. Fresh, a bit different.
I've read a few vet memoirs before, but this one is a bit different-it's written by a veterinary technician. She's been doing this job over 10 years. What a varied and enjoyable set of experiences are collected together here. Includes fun drawings from the author.
I love memoirs like this; seeing what things are like; what goes on behind the scenes. She tells about the different settings she's worked in-e.g. City clinics; country clinics. Awkward customers-i.e. pet owners. Non-payers. Pet hoarders. The rude, and the downright unbelievable and shocking scenarios some pet owners present with. And she doesn't mince her words!
I loved her conversational style. She tells it like it is, in an easy, no-nonsense way. She warns you she 'swears a bit'. It's more than a bit! But I really got into her writing style, and loved it. She often made me laugh.
I thought I'd read a lot of vet memoirs, and wouldn't hear of much different to before-I was wrong. So much more. I love behind-the-scenes memoirs like this.
A very interesting and enjoyable read.
I've read a few vet memoirs before, but this one is a bit different-it's written by a veterinary technician. She's been doing this job over 10 years. What a varied and enjoyable set of experiences are collected together here. Includes fun drawings from the author.
I love memoirs like this; seeing what things are like; what goes on behind the scenes. She tells about the different settings she's worked in-e.g. City clinics; country clinics. Awkward customers-i.e. pet owners. Non-payers. Pet hoarders. The rude, and the downright unbelievable and shocking scenarios some pet owners present with. And she doesn't mince her words!
I loved her conversational style. She tells it like it is, in an easy, no-nonsense way. She warns you she 'swears a bit'. It's more than a bit! But I really got into her writing style, and loved it. She often made me laugh.
I thought I'd read a lot of vet memoirs, and wouldn't hear of much different to before-I was wrong. So much more. I love behind-the-scenes memoirs like this.
A very interesting and enjoyable read.
August 20, 2025
Frannie O’Callaghan’s humorous and at times irreverent memoir about life as a veterinary technician will no doubt appeal to fellow vet techs who have experienced many of the same joys and mishaps in their careers. Pet owners who have not experienced veterinary medicine from the other side of the table may see themselves in the sometimes less-than-flattering depictions of veterinary practice patrons (guilty!), but those of us without a vet tech background can benefit from the educational content in this book. The author states, in the Epilogue, that she realizes she wrote this memoir “as a dedication to my fellow veterinary crew, wherever they may practice.” While I agree vet professionals are likely the most obvious audience for this book, all animal lovers will enjoy a few laughs and hopefully learn a few things to improve their knowledge of pet ownership.
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 1, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I learned a lot about vet tech medicine in the process! Frannie writes with wit and candor, and as someone in the retail industry, it's great commiserating with a writer who doesn't hold back when it comes to how crazy the human customers/clients can be.
A few times, I've already found myself consulting her "notes" when it comes to caring for my own dog. While I don't work in the field of veterinary medicine, I still found the book highly interesting and entertaining. And I found myself laughing out loud on more than one occasion! Am probably going to offer it as a gift to a vet tech friend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A few times, I've already found myself consulting her "notes" when it comes to caring for my own dog. While I don't work in the field of veterinary medicine, I still found the book highly interesting and entertaining. And I found myself laughing out loud on more than one occasion! Am probably going to offer it as a gift to a vet tech friend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 24, 2025
Even though I have never worked as a Vet Tech or Vet Assistant I was able to relate to much in this book! I have medical experience and its amazing how much overlap there is.
Well written, easy to follow and eye opening. I laughed, teared a little and nodded my head in agreement A LOT.
Totally worth checking out. I plan on making this a Christmas gift for my Veterinarian friend. She will love it . Don't sleep on this book...
Well written, easy to follow and eye opening. I laughed, teared a little and nodded my head in agreement A LOT.
Totally worth checking out. I plan on making this a Christmas gift for my Veterinarian friend. She will love it . Don't sleep on this book...
July 26, 2025
A funny, educative, insightful look into the world of veterinary medicine. A must read for all pet owners and animal lovers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 8, 2025
I really enjoyed the behind the scenes look at a veterinary technicians life and the lives of the animals that came through the doors.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews